Grease pumping systems
The wobble ring pump is an effective pump for pumping fats in various industries.
Die wobble ring pump Is a commonly used pump for pumping Fetten. It is characterized by its ability to effectively transport viscous liquids. It is therefore widely used in various industries, such as the food industry and lubricant technology.
Fats are highly viscous substancesthat require special handling. Because of its design, the wobble ring pump is well suited for handling such media. The wobble ring, which is arranged eccentrically in the cylinder, creates a displacement chamber that fills with the grease. By rotating the wobble ring, the grease is drawn into the chamber and then released via the outlet.
Grease pumps
The wobble ring pump offers several advantages for pumping fats. First, their displacing effect enables a uniform and continuous flow rate. This is important to ensure an even dosage or distribution of fat. Second, it is able to handle high viscosities, which is often the case with fats. Finally, the wobble ring pump is characterized by its robust design and reliability. As a result, it enables continuous and trouble-free transportation of fats.
However, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your application to select the right pump. Factors such as viscosity of the fat that is required flow rate and the printing should be considered when choosing a wobble ring pump.
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What factors influence the choice of pump?
- consistency: Different fats have different consistencies, from solid to liquid states. Consistency influences the pump efficiency. For example, solid fats, such as lard or butter, may require a pump with special devices. In these special cases, the fat must be melted before extraction.
- viscosity: The viscosity of the grease is an important factor when choosing a pump. High viscosity means that the fat is thicker. As a result, a pump is required which is able to handle viscous media. For example, a pump with a larger gap between rotor and stator surfaces may be more suitable for pumping thick grease.
- shear sensitivity: Some fats, particularly certain vegetable or synthetic fats, can be sensitive to shear forces. Shear forces occur when the grease flows through the pump and turbulences or high Pressure differences occur. In such cases, a pump with a gentle conveying process may be necessary. This prevents damage or impairment of the fat properties.
- Chemical compatibility: The chemical composition of the grease can influence the materials that can be used in the pump. Some fats, for example, contain aggressive chemical components or acids that can have a corrosive effect. In such cases, it is important to select a pump whose materials are resistant to these aggressive substances.
What is the viscosity of the fats?
The viscosity of the fats varies depending on the type and temperature. In general, fats have a higher viscosity than water and are therefore perceived as thicker. The viscosity of fats is often influenced by their composition. This means that the amount of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids influences flow rate. In addition, the viscosity of fats increases as the temperature decreases. Coconut oil, for example, is stronger than canola oil at room temperature.
Viscosity in general is a physical property of liquids and gases that is their internal friction or toughness describes. It indicates how resistant a liquid or gas is to flow.
Viscosity is determined by the interactions between molecules or particles determined in the liquid. The stronger these interactions are, the higher the viscosity. In liquids with high viscosity, the molecules are strongly bound together, which results in a slower movement of the particles. In liquids with low viscosity, the molecules are less bound and can move more easily.
Viscosity is usually measured in units pascal-second (Pa·s) or centistokes (cSt). In everyday language, the unit centipoise (cP) is often used, where 1 cP = 0.01 pA·s.
You can find out more about viscosity in one of our other items.
Which pump technology is suitable for pumping fats?
The wobbling ring pump is particularly suitable for pumping fats. The wobble ring pump is a positive displacement pump, which is based on the principle of an eccentrically arranged wobble ring. It is characterized by high reliability and conveying capacity and can also effectively transport viscous media such as fats.
However, there are also other pump technologies that may be suitable for pumping fats. This includes, for example, the eccentric screw pump. This pump uses a rotating worm wheel that transports grease along the pump. Eccentric screw pumps are also suitable for viscous media and are good at pumping fats.
But also the gear pump is suitable. In gear pumps, two interlocking gears rotate to deliver grease. They are robust and can also handle viscous media well.
Furthermore, the so-called piston pump. Piston pumps use pistons to deliver grease. They offer high pressure and flow rates and can be used to transport fats.
But also the screw pump It's a popular choice. This pump consists of a screw that rotates in a cylindrical housing.
It is important to note that the selection of the appropriate pump technology depends on various factors. These include, for example, the desired flow rate, the pressure requirement, the viscosity of the grease and the operational requirements.
You can find out more in our product brochures.
Which hygienic standards must pumping systems meet for pumping fats in the food industry?
- Contact materials: All materials that come into contact with the fats to be pumped must be food safe. This means that they must not emit any harmful substances and that there must be no migration of materials into the food. Stainless steel, particularly stainless steel, is a commonly used material for pumping systems in the food industry due to its durability and resistance to corrosion.
- Surface cleaning: The surfaces of the pumping systems must be designed in such a way that they are easy to clean and disinfect. Smooth, abrasion-resistant, and non-porous surfaces are important. This prevents grease residues from sticking and enables thorough cleaning. This includes the ability to use SIP and CIP systems. SIP means Sterilization-In-Place and CIP Cleaning-In-Place. Read more about this in one of our last article.
- Hygienic design: The pumping systems should have a hygienic design that prevents contaminants from entering. This can be achieved, for example, by using closed housings, tight connections and hygienic seals.
- Easy to disassemble and maintain: It is important that pumping systems are easy to disassemble to allow thorough cleaning and maintenance. This also makes it easy to access all parts of the pump to remove potential contaminants.
- Certifications and guidelines: Pumping systems for the food industry should ideally have certain certifications such as EHEDG (European Hygienic Engineering and Design Group) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval. These certifications confirm that the pumping systems meet hygienic standards.
It is important that pumping systems are regularly maintained, cleaned and inspected to ensure that they meet hygienic standards and ensure food safety.